The sexy sequel to Wolf Gone Wild, Don't Hex and Drive by Juliette Cross is another can't-put-this-book-down gem! The first book brings together one of the Savoie witch sisters with a werewolf, and in the sequel we get a taste of another Savoie beauty and a vampire hinted at in the previous book. Can the quiet, blundering girl finally open up and find a safe place in the bronzed, strong arms of a Bollywood star? Is there more to the suave, fanged hero than meets the eye?

Cross delivered another steamy tale that is as exciting as the previous book yet distinctly different. I couldn't pick a favorite if you paid me to. Both books contain alpha males who lust and love strong, intelligent heroines--but they each have unique obstacles and drama, unique smutty scenes, and unique connections between the couples.

I adored Evie and Mateo from Wolf Gone Wild so much that I didn't think I could love another pair, but Cross absolutely delivered! While Evie is an endearing, silly heroine anyone can love, I found the awkward, introverted Isadora overwhelmingly relatable. I have shared her doubts in men and in myself. I have shared her anxieties over social situations and making friends. Cross' vampire hero of the story is unexpectedly complicated and deep, and aside from the wonderful story, I frequently reflected on how impressive Devraj's character was written. He's believable, and their one-true-pairing and happy ending were tied up nicely. I adored the Hindu culture and food she mixed into the story!

Beyond the steamy scenes we can't get enough of from Juliette Cross, she wound in a compelling drama narrative, supernatural lore, and New Orleans culture. Is it possible for a series to have it all? I will definitely "stay for a spell" in desperate anticipation for the next book which the author revealed will center on Violet and Nico. *shivers* Yay!

OMG! How has this fantastic little series passed me by? I have slapped myself appropriately and have added book 1 to my TBR!

Isadora's magic isn't exactly the stuff of legends. She concentrates more on being a conduit and sharing good vibes with the little lost souls at the rescue charity. She literally bumps into a hottie when he almost runs her over on her bike. He takes her home and soon after they discover they are going to be neighbours!

Devraj is a Stygorn, think Vampire Warrior, he usually goes where the trouble is and as such has been pretty rootless. He made a name for himself in Bollywood, not exactly hiding under the radar!
New Orleans has a problem and magic users are going missing. Devraj has been drafted in to help.

Devraj initially wants to get Isadora into the nearest bed but he soon knows there is more this witch than a one-and-done. She cannot be less interested in his fame, money, or celebrity status. She is making him work for her interest, a true novelty for him. Isador may be a bit timid and shy and a true introvert but that doesn't make her 2 dimensional. She has quirks and flaws and really grabbed my imagination.

All of the Savoie sisters are great characters, especially mouth-of-a-sailor Violet. Jules has Ruben dancing to her tune as she ignores her existence as much as she can! Henry the Grim (and IT tech geek) looks like he will be a really interesting character too.

Can't wait for more!

*note: spoilers in final paragraph (from first half of book)

This book started out fine, if super campy. Devraj, a vampire, hits Isadora, a witch, with his car, and she instantly hates him for being an irresponsible driver - and also because he's exactly what she'd expect from a powerful vampire, and she tends to dislike vampires. She finds out he's also a Bollywood actor and a high-ranking vampire - basically an assassin - and that he's in town to figure out why young women have been disappearing. There's a lot going on from early in the plot, as a paranormal spy romance.

I had two major issues with this. First, the world-building is lack-luster - there was just *a lot* of detail crammed in, but a lot of the detail felt either forced or unnecessary. The information was just presented in bulky paragraphs, so it felt clunky, instead of being worked into the storytelling.

Second, and this is a spoiler - Devraj is hunting down what turns out to be a blood trafficking ring, which is a lot heavier of a topic than I was expecting from the description. Hunting a possible serial killer may not seem better than hunting traffickers as a plot device, but making the major plot of the book center on young women continually being sold and used made this way, way too much for me to handle emotionally. Additionally, Isadora goes with Devraj to interrogate someone involved in the trafficking ring, and it was difficult to read what boiled down to a light torture scene.

Don't Hex and Drive is a fun twist of Fantasy, Romance, and Crime Drama. Davraj, a Stygorn vampire (yield from some of the most ancient and powerful in the vampire bloodline) whose known for his Bollywood acting carrier and being one the the most desirable men/vampires, joins forces to find the head honcho do an underground trade of women kidnapped and used as blood hosts to vampires. While working along side his friend Reuben, Davraj accidentally has a little run in... with his car, and one tall glass of witch. Isodra despises people in general, especially those who lack the proper skill of safe driving. As a conduit and dog lover, she loves to help use her powers for growth and healing, but finds herself wrapped into the investigation with Devraj to find the missing girls.
Devraj is sweet, flirty, and ready to steal the heart of Isadora, but Isadora will fit him with everything she has.

This book was very funny and all around enjoyable. The mix of crime and romance was fun and easily intriguing although if I'm honest I was living for the moments Devraj and Isadora were together.

What I struggled with a bit was the fantasy part. I love the genre and tend to read very detail rich novels, and I just kept wondering... ok a witch and a vampire.... what happens when she ages? does she not age? they can have kids then? what happens then? I just wanted a little bit more development there since it seems the folklore idea behind vampires changes drastically in each book. Some they sparkle... some they can't go in the sun at all. Some I guess survive on blood and never die but otherwise can do everything humans do?

Overall really enjoyed this light hearted tale!

A sincere thank you to the publisher, author and Netgalley for providing me with an ebook copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is not my usual genre, I’m more into romance stories and literary fiction however I wanted to take the opportunity to read something from outside my norm. And I am glad I did!! Thank you for  opening up my mind to something totally different.

Isadora is pretty damn anxious, so she's content living a quiet life with her plants and animals. Devraj has traveled the world doing his duties as a Stygorn, but he's longing for a place to call home. Then he arrives in NOLA with his Bollywood-star good looks, his big personality, and unique Stygorn powers to hunt for the vampires that are snatching girls off the street. He needs Isadora's help to find them, which is a good thing for Devraj because he's crushing on Isadora, but a bad thing for her because she's trying her hardest to resist him.

I enjoyed the first book in this series, and this one was an amazing follow up; it's sweet, it's funny, and just the right amount of smutty. If you like paranormal contemporary romances that are fairly light-hearted, this is the perfect series to pick up. According to the back of the book, we're getting Nico and Violet's romance next (was kinda hoping we're figure out the deal between Ruben and Jules), so I'm looking forward to summer of 2021!

I loved this book!! I didn't realize that it was the second book in a series so now I'm so excited to start reading the first one!
Isadora Savoie is a very introverted witch. She likes to stick to what she knows: working in her greenhouse and visiting dogs at the local animal shelter. Then comes Devraj Kumar, who quite literally knocks her off her feet. Devraj, a powerful Stygorn vampire, has been called into town to help solve a crime involving missing human girls. The two make a powerful team on the case, but will the growing feelings between them evolve into something more?
I really loved Isadora and Devraj. They had some great banter, and I really liked how Isadora was able to start to feel confident with Devraj. Being with him didn't suddenly turn her into an extrovert, but it was obvious that she was comfortable with him. It was basically introvert plus extrovert = chaos.
There was definitely some hating to dating happening here, mixed with some forced proximity. I mean, Devraj really just showed up everywhere. It was a bit much, in my opinion, but I'm sure their supernatural social circles are quite small.
I will say, I found the "deny your feelings at all costs" storyline went on a bit too long. I just wanted them to talk!! But overall, I just really loved their story. I think they were super complimentary to each other and also quite steamy.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Title: Don't Hex and Drive
Author: Juliette Cross
Genre: Adult / NA / Paranormal Romance
Standalone or Series: Series #2
Published Date: 8th September 2020
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Rating: 🌶🌶🌶

The second book in Stay a Spell Series featuring the love lives of the Savoie Sisters and their happy ever afters.

This was such a captivating paranormal romance - with the perfect blend or urban fantasy (my favourite kind of book)!

This story follows the witch Isadora and the vampire Devraj.

At first I was a little frustrated that this book wouldn't be following Jules or Violet as hoped, but Isadora did not let me down!

The chemistry between Isadora and Devraj was *chef's kisses*

The steamy scenes were on the leg slapping level I now rate my love scenes by. Devraj was utterly dreamy and I couldn't relate to Isadora more!

This is the perfect series for fans of Suzanne Wright and I'm so glad I've discovered Juliette's books!

Downside... looks like I have to wait a year for Violet and Nico's story - Witches get Stitches, but I have plenty of books to catch up on from Juliette!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me a copy for an honest review.

This review will be posted on my Instagram account on 8th August - HKLovesbooks

Posted review to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3459728475

Posted review to Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2470644708?source

*I will also post on Amazon on release day*

Don’t Hex and Drive is book two in the Stay a Spell series by Juliette Cross. In this book, we are going to focus on the quietest Savoie sister, Isadora and a very sexy vampire who has his sights set on her.

Isadora Savoie will tell you she’s not a hermit, she’s just introverted. Her sisters are all outgoing, but she prefers to stay in the background, working in her greenhouse, using her flowers and herbs to make healing balms and teas. Isadora and her sisters are witches, all powerful. Isadora is a conduit, she can heal. Her other passion is visiting the adorable pets who reside at the town’s animal shelter. She loves spending time there and giving the dogs just a touch of her magic to heal their bodies and souls.

Devraj Kumar is a three hundred year old, powerful Stygorn vampire, one of an elite group of vampires with very strong abilities. Recently, four young women have disappeared in their city and a vampire is suspected as the culprit. Devraj was asked by his good friend and leader of the vampires in New Orleans, Ruben, to help solve the girls’ disappearances.

Devraj moves frequently from job to job where his special abilities are needed. He’s never had anything make him question his life, although secretly he does long for a real home, friends, and maybe even love. As soon as he sees the shy, quiet Isadora, he is intrigued. Something draws him to her, makes him want to know her, to try to draw her out. He can’t seem to stop thinking about her, finding ways to cross paths with her. But then when he finally gets a taste of her, there’s no going back. She’s his. She just doesn’t know it yet.

“There’d been a lot of things that made my pulse quicken over the ages, but a woman’s smile hadn’t been one of them. Till now.”

As Devraj works to get to know Isadora better, a beautiful thing happens, she gains confidence, she finds there are some things about herself she never really knew. And there is one thing I need to tell you here. When these two finally get together, they…are…HOT!!! I might even venture to say that the scenes when these two are together might just be the hottest I’ve read in any of this author’s books! I don’t know if it was their strong connection, Juliette’s beautiful writing, or just the way they made me feel. But there was some serious swooning happening here!

“You don’t want the world to see too much of you. But I see you.”
“What do you see?”
“A lovely woman who knows the meaning of humility and kindness and true beauty.”

Devraj is determined to win Isadora’s heart. But Isadora knows that when the case is solved, Devraj will move on, it’s what he does. Can she just live in the moment, enjoy him while she can? Or is it too much of a risk to her heart?

“She hid from the world, doing her good deeds without the need for notice or praise. I wanted her more with each passing minute.”

I loved this so much. The relationship between these two builds slowly, and at the same time, they are working on finding and saving the four missing girls and taking down the vampires responsible. We also get to know the other sisters even better in this. I particularly enjoy the ongoing chemistry between Ruben and Isadora’s sister, Jules. This is such a fun, smexy, swoony series and I am so looking forward to the next book.

“This woman. Her body. Her soul. I wanted it all.”

Isadora Savoie is not comfortable around people. She prefers plants and animals. She is happy to remain in the shadow of her sisters but reluctantly gets roped into solving the mystery of missing neighborhood women. She is paired with a flashy, sexy vampire who is also determined to find them before it's too late.

Isadora is an antisocial woman who loves to stay in the background. I could relate with her because of this. Her conduit abilities were very interesting, especially the written aspect part of it. I do wish we had seen more of her abilities throughout the book but she isn’t flashy like her sisters so that makes sense. I did have one major issue with her which is something that I personally don't like to see in romances. She went on dates while dealing with her feelings for Devraj. This is something that I know happens in real life, but it's something that really bothers me. Probably because this is something I would never do.

Devraj Kumar is a Stygon, a legendary vampire warrior, and a former Bollywood star. Devraj was charming, flirty, and a fun character. While these two are the complete opposites they worked. He really pulls Isadora out of her shell. I really liked him. He was a very unique vampire.

I really enjoyed the side characters in this one. I like all the Savoie sisters. I seriously can’t wait for Jules and Ruben’s story because I know it's going to be a good one. Overall this was a great sequel and I can’t wait to read the next book.

*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*

This is the second book of Stay a Spell series. After reading and loving the first book, my expectations for this one were sky-high. Moreover, the main character here was of Indian origin and that is a definite plus point.

Isadora: She was an introvert, loved to nurture her plants, Play with dogs and in general, provide care and magical energy to those dear to her. She is a giver. However, being in her mind was a little tiring for me. She was a very good person and a lot of introverts and socially awkward people would definitely relate to her. Sadly, I related more with Evie, the heroine from book 1.

Devraj: OOh the right amount of Indianness. I loved it. I loved how Devraj was more than just his Indianness. He was sexy, so swoony, he oozed charm and confidence. I absolutely had a blast reading his POV.

Relationship: This was definitely a slow burn-ish. There was a burn. And things in their relationship definitely pick up after 50%. There was a lot of push and pull in their romance. Hot and cold Isadora. I could understand her resistance to going all in for Devraj since Devraj wasn't making his intentions clear. Maybe if they actually came out and talked.... Noone knows.. But I got a little tired of the back and forth, hot and cold in the actual romance.

Steam: Very. On. Point. I loved it so much. Definitely much hotter than the first book, I think. Extra point for MF lube using. Love that. And ooh, the blood sucking and the pleasure and pain with that was just perfect.

Definitely recommend.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I even bought Wolf Gone Wild so that I could read more of this world.
Isadora & Devraj are super cute together. Cross has talent for world building. I'll be coming back to see what happens between Violet & Nico and hopefully someday Jules & Ruben.

After Wolf Gone Wild I figured the next story would be of one of the Savoie sisters. However, I expected it to be about the hilarious Violet or the eldest sister Jules. Because there was some serious tension between her and Ruben. But no: this next book is about Isadora. She is the least outspoken of the sisters, and she tends to stick to plants and animals. Because she is a very introvert witch.
She, however, gets hit on her bike by a vampire. A smoking hot, extravert vampire. Notorious Bollywood actor Devraj Kumar. Not accustomed to being rejected, Devraj is immediately intrigued by the shy witch. And he is going to use every trick in the book to get to know her better. Even getting Isadora involved in the finding and rescuing of the missing humans and vampires.
And although Isadora is reluctant to spend time with the vampire, she learns that there is more than meets the eye. Behind the eye-candy, Devraj is actually a very thoughtful and caring person. Can they find the missing people? Will they be in time to save them? And even better: will Isadora ever learn how to drive?
Five out of five hilarious stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc. And I was very happy to read that the next book in the series will be about Violet and Nico. Yihaa!

I read Wolf Gone Wild earlier on this year and really enjoyed it, so I was very excited for this to come out.

Firstly, let me say how much I loved Isadora. She is so gentle and sensitive but also strong. I really enjoyed getting to know her. She's like a badass in disguise and I feel like that's someone many of us can connect with. Of course I enjoyed meeting Devraj who is the sexy vampire love interest. The romance in this book was very enjoyable, and I enjoyed the plot that was woven around it.

I enjoyed this book more than Wolf Gone Wild, the pacing was better and I felt more connected to the characters. I'm loving the world Juliette Cross has created for the Stay A Spell series and I'm looking forward to what comes next.

There's so much left to explore in this world. I for one hope we get a love story with a Grim. I really want to learn more about these mysterious beings! Also when are we getting a Jules and Reuben romance? I need more of them in my life.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was such a great romance with an interesting story to go along with it.

This series about a family of Witches living in New Orleans is such fun to read and the author definitely upped the ante with this frequently hilarious book.
Isadore has healing magic, adores nature and plants, secretly harbours the desire to own a dog and definitely hates getting into cars ! So getting knocked off her bicycle by a seriously hot Vampire just wasn’t on her to do list . Things get worse quickly though because he’s rented the house next door, seems to have charmed his way into her sisters good books and then he takes delivery of Isadores newest “toy” !
Devraj might seem to have the life of a playboy with his Bollywood looks but he’s actually one of the powerful supernaturals who police the Vampires. He’s in town to help Reuben and very quickly realises that the pretty Witch next door just has to be destined for his bed . Yet Isadore is stubborn and constantly pushes him away but as a predator that’s never going to put Devraj off !
I enjoyed the first book but this story definitely had me eagerly turning the pages with a smile in my face. There plenty of fun moments here but it’s set against a background of blood trafficking so don’t fear it’s just a romance because there is a good story here . For me the chemistry was spot on and I loved their banter and the slow burn romance so yes I definitely recommend this book.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

I loved it! At first, I hated that there were so many sisters - I had to write the names down to keep track so that was annoying. But otherwise, I loved the story - this is a straight up romance with alternative he/she POV. But I loved that they were both 1st person. Nothing worse than 3rd person POV. This is a world where everyone knows there is magic and nothing is hidden and there are tons of supernatural beings and different powers.

What a thoroughly delightful book. Now I need to go back and read the first one. LOL. I've read Cross before but somehow missed this series and am so glad to have found it on NetGalley. The only thing that would have made this better would have been reading it at the beach! Loved the characters and the storyline.

Don’t Hex & Drive
I was so excited to get this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review! Ever since I read the first of the series, Wolf Gone Wild I’ve missed being in the world of the Savoie Sisters. Each sister brings her own powers, talents and humor to the table and I absolutely love it. Juliette Cross describes not only a fantasy world of vampires, witches, werewolves and so much more but a family that you want to be a part of.

This story is based around a Bollywood Superstar named Devraj and a reserved, greenhouse lover witch named Isadora. While it seems they are total opposites and are always butting heads their is curiosity about each-other neither of them can ignore especially since the two of them have to work together to solve a vicious crime.

Between the delicious Indian food Devraj whips up, the Savoie Sisters intriguing witch work and the all the steam- you don’t want to miss out on Juliette’s newest book!

I'm usually not a paranormal romance reader, but I had a craving for something witchy recently and this book hit the spot. The chemistry between the MC's is steamy and sexy and exactly the right balance to all of the magical world building type stuff that tends to bore me. I loved our sophisticated hero, the exact type of vampire that I love to read. I do wish I had read the first book before grabbing this one, but I'm going back now so I can get the full story. Definitely recommend this one!

VAMPIRES,WITCHES AND VIBRATORS! OH! MY!

Another fabulous story from the amazingly talented storyteller and writer Juliette Cross!!! If you thought hot werewolf Mateo was sexy wait till you meet Isadora's hot new vampire Devraj who not only happens to be a famous bollywood leading man who's sexy with long dark hair and beautiful whiskey warm brown eyes who has the face of a angel,but is one of the most dangerous and powerful of vampires. Devraj is a stygorn a ancient race of vampire with the ability to hunt down any prey,so when he comes to New Orleans to help Ruben find the blood traffickers who are behind the taking of human women. He no sooner pulls into town and accidentally hits Isadora on her bike. From that moment on its a battle of wills between this beautiful witch and hunky hot vampire! I love these two characters so much!!! Fabulous chemistry and loads hot sexy heat. Devraj sets out to bed isadora,but it becomes more.Women have always been plenty and many but with isadora not only doesn't she fall at his feet ,she's immune to his charm and glamour and could care less who he is. He might be rich and famous with a expensive car and clothes but to her he's just a typical full of him self vampire. But she soon finds out theirs nothing typical about this sexy vamp! I love isadora and can identify with her character and loved finding out more about this private and shy sister. This series is fabulous and so far I've loved all of the different characters from the savioe witches and yes I will admit free spirited and resident foul mouth sister violet is my fave!!! I love this wicked and funny witch! Then theirs ruben, vampire overlord of new orleans with all kinds of dark dominant vibes and I love his and jules continued game of cat and mouse!!! Lord ! I can't wait for their book! I can almost guarantee that their story is gonna be epic with lots of hot sex and kindle melting action! And new character henry Blackwater a black haired,black eyed tech geek and grim is so very intriguing.He's the grim that has been watching clara from a distance! Juliette Cross books have it all passion,love,humor and the thing that keeps me coming back, the happy ending!!! The storytelling is awesome and her paranormal men are always drool worthy. Can't wait for book 3 Witches Get Stitches! It's Nico and Violet's book!!! Until next time Luv's💕💋